Mountaineering Course Set to Begin

The Kitsap Branch of the Mountaineers will begin its Basic Mountaineering Course on January 27, 2012. Applications are now being accepted for this five-month course.

This comprehensive mountaineering course is taught and instructed by experienced mountaineers who volunteer their time for the Mountaineers Club. This course has been offered for decades by The Mountaineers Club to prospective climbers in the Puget Sound region. This course prepares participants to climb the significant peaks of the Pacific Northwest, the Cascades, Olympics, and beyond.

Graduates of this program have gone on to climb in South America, Asia, Alaska, and Europe. Technical skills are taught so that all forms of terrain can be climbed safely. Students are prepared to climb on rock, snow, and ice. Leaders from the Mountaineers lead experience climbs so that students are able to apply skills under knowledgeable guidance. Wilderness basics such as Leave No Trace ethics, basic preparedness, advice about equipment, and wilderness camping on bare ground and snow are part of the regular program. There are no prerequisites for this program, but a strong commitment to a high degree of physical fitness and the time it takes is required.

The Basic Mountaineering Course consists of evening and weekend classroom sessions followed by hands-on field trips. The course runs from January 27, 2012 to June 24, 2012. There are one to two classes per month. Some equipment will be available for loaning. Good boots and an adequate day pack are beginning requirements. Clothing appropriate for the harsh conditions of the mountains is recommended.

Continuing participants of the course are eligible to sign up for climbs of The Brothers, Mt Constance, Mt Olympus, Mt Baker, and Mt Rainier, and many other summits, if performance standards are met. Participants may extend their work to develop proficiencies to join in these, and other challenging climbs, if a longer time is necessary. The goal of volunteer instructors is to help students succeed. To join the rosters of climbs beyond the June 24 ending date of the course, individuals need to have a Mountaineers Club membership.

The Kitsap Branch is a regional group directly associated with the outdoors club, The Mountaineers. The main office is in Seattle with satellite branches located in Bremerton, Olympia, Tacoma, Everett, Issaquah, and Bellingham. The Mountaineers is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization . Our mission is to enrich the community by helping people explore, conserve, learn about and enjoy the lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest.

For more information and to apply for this challenging course, contact Mike Raymond, climbing division chairperson of the Kitsap Branch of the Mountaineers. Phone: 360-204-2111. Email: mikeraymond55@gmail.com. A description of the schedule and ideas for equipment can be found at www.kitsapmountaineers.org/climbing. More information about the Mountaineers Club can be found at www.mountaineers.org